Can filling machine



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DOYLcUd BWM) Pefiosom MMMNMOM United States Patent Orifice 3,078,630 Patented Feb. 26, 1953 3,078,630 CAN FILLING MACHNE Carl H. Mayer, Jr., Wilmette, and Donald W. Fergusson, Evanston, Ill., assigiiors to Rust-Gianni Corporation, Evanston, Ill., a corporation of Iilinois Filed Aug. 2, 196il, Ser. No. 46,978 20 Claims. (Cl. 531-55) The present invention relates to can filling machines and more particularly to a machine for filling press top cans of paint and similar liquids.

While the art relating to dispensing of liquids is highly developed, it is common practice in paint factories to fill paint cans using an manually operated valve under the control of an operator. This practice has persisted since none of the can filling devices available to the industry has appeared to satisfy all of the requirements.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a filling machine which is capable of filling paint cans automatically on a high production basis. It is another object to provide an automatic filling machine which is safe and positive in operation and in which there is no possibility of accidental spillage of paint. More specifically, it is an object to provide a conveyor type filling machine having novel provision for insuring that the conveyor is stopped and that a can is centered in the filling position prior to discharge of the paint from the filling valve so that rapid filling is possible without splatter or without getting paint in the rim of the can.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a filling machine having means for positively identifying the contents of each can incident to applying the lid and immediately following the filling operation. In this connection it is an object to provide a filling machine in which the can lids are embossed individually at the time of use and in which the possibility of improper identification, which sometimes occurs where pre-embossed lids are used, is entirely eliminated. lt is a further object to provide a filling machine which enables maximum economy in the use of lids with no lids being left over at the end of the run. Thus the arrangement is especially suited to the filling of paint cans where the total amount of liquid to be canned is not subjected to precise determination and where it is impossible to make an accurate prediction of the number of lids required for a given run.

lt is still another object of the present invention to provide a filling machine which is flexible in use and which may be employed to serve any one of a plurality of fixed overhead vats having paints of different color. In this connection it is an object to provide a filling machine which is particularly well adapted for po-rtable use, preferably wheel or caster mounted, and which can simply bepushed into position under a selected vat and adjoining a selected conveyor for removal of the filled cans. In this way a single automatic filling machine may be employed on a constant basis to service a large number of vats in succession so that a limited number of machines of the present type, typically from three to six, are capable of handling the entire output of even the largest paint manufacturing plant. It is a related object to provide a filling machine which permits the rapid change in color of the paint being handled without the necessity for cleaning or fiushing, simply by substituting a different strainer and filling head assembly, which takes but a few minutes time.

it is a further object to provide an automatic filling machine which is capable of handling cans having a wide range of size and liquid capacity, for example, a range of one-quarter pint to a gallon or more, with provision for quick and simple adjustment between the sizes. It is an object of the invention to provide a filling machine having stations for filling, for dropping of a lid upon an open can, and for pressing of the lid into place arid which maintains the cans centered on the center line of the machine for the successive operations regardless of the diameter of the can and in which the mechanisms at the stations are simultaneously adjustable in accordance with can height. Consequently, it is an object to provide a filling machine in which there is little down timev between successive runs of different color or using a different size can.

lt is an object of the present invention in one of its aspects to provide, in a filling machine of the present type, a lid dispenser which is capable of being used with a corresponding range of can sizes and which utilizes the same means for storing, dropping, embossing and guiding lids over the entire range. It is a more detailed object to provide a lid dispenser in which all of the various adjustments are brought about by turning a single control in one direction or the other.

It is another detailed object to provide a machine having novel means for centering cans at the filling station and for detecting the presence or absence of a can at the filling station capable of operating reliably over a wide range of can size. Thus the device not only precludes accidental dumping of a charge of paint onto the machine or onto the floor but insures that no drops of paint will be lodged in the upper rim of the can, even though a wide discharge nozzle is used.

it is another object of the present invention to provide a fiiling machine having filling, lid applying, and capping stations and in which a novel conveying arrangement is utilized for intermittently advancing the cans from one station to the next. It is still another object to provide a filling machine in which the arrival of cans at a downstream point, preferably the capping station, is employed to temporarily turn off the conveyor and to initiate operation at the three stations. It is yet another object to provide a filling machine capable of handling cans of different diameter and in which novel provision is made for changing the station-to-station spacing in accordance with variations in the diameter of the cans being processed, with the capping station serving as the point of reference. It is a more specific object to provide a filling machine in which arrival of a can at the capping station initiates detecting and centering means at the filling station and in which the filling is contingent upon a can being present at the desired centered position below the filling head. It is another object to provide a can filling machine in which the filling is accurately timed to provide correct measure but in which the timing means is not actuated until it is verified automatically that a can is in the exact position to receive the paint or other liquid.

lt is a more specific object to provide a can filling machine having a switch at the capping station for sensing arrival of a can to terminate movement of the conveyor and to initiate timed filling means at the filling station but in which auxiliary means are provided for initiating the subsequent movement of the conveyor when the can is filled, with control being restored to the sensing switch once a given can moves out of the capping station.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide an automatic can filling machine having the advantageous features of construction and operation mentioned above but in which the control arrangement is, nevertheless,

simple and straightforward so that the device operates reliably without care or maintenance over long periods of time.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the attached detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

FIGURE l is a side elevation of a can filling machine constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a typical can filled and with the lid embossed by the machine of FIG. l.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary section of the can sensing.

i 3 switch in the device of FIG. 1 taken along the line 3-3 in that figure.

FIG. 4 shows the lid dropping and embossing portion of the device taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4a is a fragmentary section looking along the line 4a-4cz in FIG. 4 and showing the embosser driving mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary stop motion view of the lid releasing means showing a lid in supported position ready to be dropped.

FIG. 6 is aview similar to FIG. 5 but showing release of the lowermost lid onto the guiding means.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary section taken through the lid releasing members looking along the line '7-7 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary section showing engagement of a lid with an awaiting can.

FIG. 9 is a transverse section taken through the conveying means along the line 9--9 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary plan view of the can centering and detecting means looking along the line 10--10 in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the electrical control circuit employed in practicing the present invention.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment it will be understood that we do not intend to be limited to the illustrated embodiment but intend to cover the various alternative and equivalent constructions included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Referring now to the drawings, a can filling machine 20, constructed in accordance with the invention, has a horizontal frame including longitudinal members 21, 22

(see FIG. 9) supported on vertical members or legs 23, 24, preferably four in number. The legs may be provided with suitable wheels or casters (not shown) in order to enable movement of the machine bodily from one operating position to another. The machine is intended to be used on an operating floor below a storage area having a pluraty of vats to enable gravity discharge of paint from one of the vats into an inlet connection 25 on the machine, the connection being made by means of a'iiexible hose or the like. Connected to the inlet 25 is a filling assembly 30 which includes a strainer 3l, a conduit 32 and a lling valve or head 33. In the conduit is an adjustable valve 34 for controlling the maximum, rate of flow and which is left in an adjusted position depending upon the size of the can to be lled and the viscosity of the paint. Filling valve 33 is of the type having conical closure member 35 (see FIG. 9) which is operated by means of an air actuator 36 under the control of a solenoid valve 37 (FIG. 11). The strainer is of the periodic back flushing type having an actuator 33 and a solenoid valve 39 for controlling the same. For further details of the filling valve 33 reference is made to Mayer copending application Ser. 863,334 filed December 3l, 1959, now U.S. Patent No. 3,012,700, and, to understand the construction of the strainer 31, reference is made to Mayer application Ser. 863,294 filed December 3l, 1959, now U.S. Patent No. 3,061,102. It will sufiice for the present to say that paint is efficiently strained in the strainer 31 and discharged from the filling valve 33 in a conical stream under the control of the solenoid valve 37. The filling valve 33A defines a first or lilling station as indicated at A in the drawing.

Extending longitudinally in the machine and centered on a center line 40 isa conveyor which includes conveyor chains 41, 42 which are trained over sprockets 43, 44 at the ends of the frame (FIGS. l and 9). In carrying out the invention, the chains 41, 42 are supported on narrow vertical rails 45, 46 so that any paint which may be dripped during adjustment of the machine may drop freely through the machine onto a suitable pan. The

chain supportingarrangement providesV a minimum of area upon which paint may fall, and the pressure exerted by the chains 41, 42 on the narrow presented edges of the supporting plates acts to keep the edges clear of paint, dirt, or other foreign matter.

For the purpose of longitudinally driving the conveyor chains 41, 42 a conveyor drive motor 50 is provided which is connected to a speed reducing gear box 51 by means of a driving belt 52. The output of the gear box 51 is transmitted to the conveyor by a driving chain 53. For the purpose of starting and stopping the conveyor while permitting the motor 50 to run continuously, a clutch 55 is interposed in the drive train (see FIG.v 11) under the control of an electrical control circuit to be described, and for insuring that the conveyor stops promptly when the clutch is deenergized, a brake 56 is used. Both the clutch and brake are per se well known to those skilled in the art. In order to feed empty cans 54 to the conveyor in close succession a feed table 57 is used having a right angle drive connection 58 and a drive shaft 59 driven by the same gear box 51 which powers the conveyor. It will be understood that the table 57 rotates at a speed which is relatively higher than that of the conveyor so that cans are constantly crowded onto the conveyor with constant takeup of any gaps between them.

For the purpose of dropping lids one by one in order to lightly position the lids on top of the cans which have been filled by the filling head 33, a lid dropping and embossing assembly 60 is provided which defines a lid-dropping station B. The lid dropping arrangement is shown in elevation in FIG. 1 and the details are illustrated in FIGS. 4 8 inclusive. The assembly includes a base 61 having an upwardly projecting lid storage means. The latter is made up of a central storage rail 62 as well as left and right hand storage rails 63, 64, respectively, forming an inclined trough within which a plurality of lids 65 are stacked one above the other for gravity feeding. For the purpose of releasing a lid from the bottom of the stack, a release mechanism is provided having left and right hand release members 66, 67 respectively, the latter being mounted for reciprocation in side or guide members 68, 69 supported on the base 61. In order to move the release members 66, 67 backwardly and forwardly in unison, a pair of air actuators 71, 72 are provided controlled by a solenoid valve 73.

Means are provided at the inner faces of the two releasing members 66, 67 so that only the lowermost lid is released from sto-rage when the members are actuated. When the release members are in a retracted position, the lowermost lid 65a is supported upon a pair of releasing ledges 75 (FIGS. 5 and 7). Formed on each of the releasing members 66, 67 at a level above the ledge 75 is a secondor retaining ledge 76 which is offset rearwardly from the ledge 75 so that the two ledges taken together form a gate. In operation, movement of the releasing members 66, 67 downwardly and to the left, from the position` shown in FIG. 5 to that shown in FIG. 6, causes the releasing ledges 75 to move out of the way of the lowermost lid indicated at 65a permitting such lid to drop clear onto the base 61. To insure stripping of the lowermost lid, the retaining ledges terminate in a wedge shaped portion 77 which assists gravity in overcoming any friction. During the dropping of the lid 65a, the succeeding lid indicated at 65b and the rest of the stack are retained by. the retaining ledges 76. Later in the operating cycle the releasing members 66, 67, are retracted, thereby retracting the ledges 76 which permits the stack of lids to settle on the ledges 75 and restoring the device to the condition shown in FIG. 5.

In accordance with one of the important aspects of the invention, embossing means are provided for embossing the lids in the course of their downward travel and with the embossing means being utilized to effect a timed release of the individual lids into dropped position on the awaiting can. Because of the embossment a moment before use, it is not necessary to supply pre-embossed lids to the present machine with risk of improper identification of contents. In the present embodiment the embossing means generally indicated at 81? includes a pair of ernbossing dies 81, 82. The embossing dies are of the rotary type journaled in spaced apart po-sition in a frame 83 mounted on the left-hand side o-f the base 61. For driving the embossing dies in unison with one another, they are coupled together by a pair of gears 85, S6 (see FIG. 4a). For the purpose of triggering rotation of the embossing dies and for stopping them in a predetermined open phase position, a single revolution clutch 90 is provided having an input element 91 and an output element 92 as well as a release element 93 having a shoulder 94. To drive the input element 91, the input element carries a sprocket 95 about which is trained a chain 96 which receives torque from a drive sprocket 97. The latter is powered from a gear box 98 which is constantly driven by a motor 99. For normally engaging the shoulder 94 formed on the release element, a latch 10i! is provided having a biasing spring 191. Clutches of the type disclosed are well known to those skilled in the art. They are generally used as single revolution clutches with momentary release of the latch producing one full revolution of driving effort. However, it will be understood that as used in the present device the latch is released more than momentarily. Thus, in operation, as long as the shoulder 94 on the release element is engaged by the latch 14N?, the input element $1 is free to spin without any corresponding rotation of the output element 92 and the connected embossing elements. However, when the latch is released from the shoulder against the force of spring bias, the release element becomes free causing the input and output elements to be connected together to produce positive rotation of the embossing elements, until such time as the latch 164D is restored to its engaging position in the path of movement of the shoulder 94. For further details of the clutch, cross reference is made to Bulletin Z39 published by the manufacturer, The Hilliard Corpo-ration, of Elmira, New York.

In carrying o-ut the invention the latch is so positioned that the embossing members 31, S2 come to rest in the open positie-n shown in FIGS. l and 4a, in other words, with substantial clearance between them, and means are provided for temporarily retaining a previously released lid between the embossing elements ready to be acted upon. In the present instance (FIG. 4) this retaining function is accomplished by a detent 105 in the form of a plunger having a detent spring 106 and arranged in position to engage the edge of a descending lid. It will thus be apparent that when a lid is dropped by the releasing members 66, 67 the lid travels only a short distance until it strikes the detent 1515, whereupon the lid is stopped in centered position between the embossing elements. As a result, when the latch 10i) is tripped, initial rotation of the embossing elements imprints a code number in the lid and simultaneously forces the lid beyond the detent to a dropped position upon the awaiting can. While the electrical control means for effecting release of the latch 1% will be discussed at a later point, it may be noted in FIG. 11 that the latch is moved by an actuator 1417 which is controlled by a solenoid valve 10S.

After the lid is acted upon by the embossing members it is passed downwardly along a guideway portio-n 109 into engagement with a can which is stationary and awaiting to receive it. However, it may be noted, as shown in FIG. 8, that guideway 109 angularly overlies the awaiting can with just the far edge of the latter exposed so that the lid is not dropped flatly upon the can. Thus, the leading edge 65e of the lid engages only the rim of the can while the lid proper is still supported on the guideway 109. Final movement of the lid into horizontal or capping position does not take place until subsequent movement of the conveyor. It is found that thus applying a lid to a can in two steps is accompanied by a number of advantages. In the iirst place the lid is more certain to be accurately centered with respect to the can for the subsequent capping operation since the leading edge 65C is positively obstructed by the rim of the can and since any recoil or bounce may dissipate itself witho-ut dislodging the lid from the position shown. Moreover, the arrangement enables usage of a rather steep guideway 109 thereby minimizing the size and length of the lid dropping assembly.

In accordance with one of the aspects of the present invention the embossing elements 81, 82 are located near the center line of the lid dropping assembly, and means are provided for adjusting the spacing between the lid storage rails 63, 64, the dropping members 66, 67, and the lid guide rails thereby to accommodate the device to can lids having a wide range of diameter. To accomplish this, the lid dropping mechanism is made in two halves movably mounted on the base 61 and simultaneously adjusted with respect to the center line of the machine so that the embossment always is made at the center of the lid regardless of lid diameter. In order to understand the details of the adjusting means, reference is made to FIGS. 4 and 7 where it will be noted that the guide members 68, 69 are threadedly engaged by an adjusting shaft 1'10 having right and left hand threads 111, 112 with a handwheel 113 at its outer end. The center of the shaft 11@ is held captive in the endwise direction in a mounting block 115 which is secured to the base 61. In order to adjust the lower end of the guide rails 71, 72 to the same degree there is provided a second adjusting shaft having threads 121, 122 held captive by a block 125 at the center. For the purpose of coupling the two shafts together, sprocket wheels 126, 127 are provided on the respective shafts interconnected by a sprocket chain 128. Thus when the handwheel 113 is turned the two sides of the lid dropping device are adjusted outwardly or inwardly in unison. For the purpose of maintaining the central storage rail 62 centered under all conditions, it is mounted on an auxiliary carrier 130 supported on rods 131, 132 which extend at right angles to one another and which are received in slides or sockets 133, 134 mounted on the side members 68, 69. It will be apparent that as the side members 68, 69 are moved inwardly toward the center line, there is a crowding action upon the rods 131, 132 forcing the rods to telescope into the sockets 133, 134 and moving the carrier into the position shown in dot-dash outline at 135, while maintaining the ro-d 62 in centered position. As a result the rails 62, 63, 64 provide accurate three point support for all of the lids which may be in the stack 65 and constant width guidance is provided for the can lids, with oplimum side clearance, all the way down to the can.

Turning attention next to the means for capping the cans, i.e., for pressing the loosely positioned caps into their seated or sealing positions, a capper assembly is provided at a capping station C having a plunger 141 powered by a pneumatic actuator 142 under the control of a solenoid valve 143. When the solenoid valve is energized, compressed air is admitted to the actuator 142 thrusting the plunger 141 downwardly and pressing the lid firmly into position. The actuator 142 may be so selected and the air pressure so adjusted that the lid is forced downwardly flush with the top of the can, while keeping the force nevertheless below that which might tend to deform the wall of the can.

In accordance with one of the aspects of the present invention all'three of the assemblies including the lling assembly 31), the lid dropping assembly 6i! and the capping assembly 140 are located in line with one another along the center line of the machine and mounted upon a co-mmon elevated support or platform having provision for raising and lowering the same for simultaneously accommodating the assemblies to the height of the cans being run. In addition, guide rails are provided along the conveyor which are adjustable inwardly and outwardly in unison in order to maintain the row of cans centered with respect to the center line of the machine. Referring particularly to FIGS. 1 and 9 of the drawings,

7 the elevated support indicated at 150 extends almost the entire length of the machine and is supported at its ends on vertical screws 151, 152 engaging nuts 151a, 152a. Only the two screws on the near side of the machine are shown, and it will be understood that corresponding screws are provided on the far side of the machine to give stable, four point support. For the purpose of supporting the lower ends of the screws 151, 152, journal bearings153, 154 are provided fastened to the longitudinal frame members 21, 22 previously referred to. To rotate the screws, they are furnished with sprockets 155, 156 interconnected by a sprocket chain 157. The sprocket chain 157 is in turn driven by a motor 158 having a stepdown driving connection 159. It will be apparent therefore that when it is desired to raise or lower the elevated platform 150, actuation of the motor 158 in one direction. or the other by suitable control means (not shown) acting through the drive connection 159 and chain 157 rotates all of the screws in unison so that the platform is moved up or down while maintaining it in precisely level position.

For the purpose of maintaining the can centered, horizontal guide rails 161, 162 are provided (FIG. 9) together with means for moving them inwardly ancl outwardly with respect to the center line 40 of the machine. In the present device the guide rails are mounted upon slidable guide rail carriers 163, 164 having brackets 165, 166. Threaded into the brackets is a transversely extending adjusting shaft 167 which is held captive in the endwise direction in bearings 168, 169 secured to the longitudinal frame members of the machine. Aty the outer end of the adjusting shaft 167 is a handwheel 170. At the opposite or left hand end of the machine as viewed in FIG. 1, a corresponding'transverse adjusting shaft 171 is provided engaging brackets 172 similar to the brackets shown in FIG. 9; The adjusting shafts 167, 171 have sprocket wheels 173, 174 about which are trainedl a sprocket chain 175. It Ywill be apparent then, that upon rotating the handwheel 170, both of the shafts 167, 171 are rotated so that the guide rails 161, 162 are moved inwardly or outwardly in unison relative to the center line of the machine. In practice the machine is adjusted byv rotating the handwheel 170 until the guide rails touch the sides ofthe cans following which the wheel isl backed off to provide a small amount of clearance thereby to reducethe friction of the` guides against the cans.

In accordance with one of the aspects of the present invention, means are provided for adjusting the spacing between the filling station A, the lididropping station B, andcapping station C so that they are spaced apartby an integral number of can diameters. Thus when cans are fed in a continuous series operations may be simultaneously performedat all of the three stations. While itwould be possiblel to adjust any two of the assemblies relative to the third, we have chosen to mount the capping assembly 140 in fixed position on the supporting platform 150, measuring all of the distances from it, while making the filling assembly and liddropping assembly relatively adjustable. Turning first to the means for adjusting and mounting the lid dropping assembly, the base 61 thereof is mounted upon two cross members 181, 182 which are slidable upon the carrier 150 and which are spaced apart by rods 183, only the near one of them being visible in FIG. l; For the purpose of clamping the assembly ina desired position, a clamping screw 185. is threaded into the cross member 182. Thus, positioning the lid dropping assembly is simply a matter of sliding the assembly longitudinally until a station to station distance 186 is established whereupon the clamping screw 185 is'turned tight to maintain the adjustment. Similarly, to adjust'the filling assembly 30 with respect to the capping assembly, the strainer 31 is` mounted upon brackets 191, 192. Again, only the brackets on the near side are shown and corresponding brackets are employedY on the far side of the machine. The brackets are secured in position on the carrier by means of clamping screws 193, 194. To adjust the filling assembly and hence the filling head 33, the clamping screws 193, 194 are loosened and the entire assembly is slid backw-ardly or forwardly upon the support 150, with the screws being retightened at a new position to establish a station to station spacing 196.

In accordance with one of the aspects of the present invention not only is the filling head 33 properly positioncd with respect to the row of cans, but auxiliary means are provided for engaging each can at the filling station for precisely centering it with respect to the filling head. To understand the construction of the centering member and its adjusting arrangement, reference is made to FiGS. 9 and 10. ln carrying out the invention the centering member is lateraly movable with respect to the can and is provided with spaced abutments which engage the can crowding it either backwardly or forwardly so that it precisely alined with the fiiiing head. Referring to the present embodiment, the centering assembly 200 includes a centering member 201 which is slidable in a carrier 202. At its forward end the centering member 201 is scalloped as indicated at 203 defining spaced points of abutment 204. For the purpose of advancing or retracting the centering member 201 with respect to the carrier, an actuator is provided which is under the control of a solenoid valve 266. For reasons which will become clear as the discussion proceeds, the solenoid valve is so arranged that when the winding thereof is deenergized the centering member 231 is advanced into engagement with a can whereas when the winding is energized the centering member 201 is retracted. If desired, and in order to take care of an extreme range of can size, the centering member 201 is preferably provided with a removable tip 207 secured in place by means of thumbscrews 268. To enable adjustment of the carrier 202 and thereby to establish a normal position for the centering member 201, the carrier is not secured directly to the frame 21 of the machine but is, instead, slidably mounted on a bracket 111 which is welded or otherwise secured to the frame 21. Engaging the end of the bracket 111 is a clamp 112 having a clamping screw 113; Thus to adjust the position of the centering member the carrier 202 is slid along the bracket 111 to an adjusted position following which the clampis again tightened.

In the above paragraphs the primary structural features of the invention have been discussed, particularly the conveyor, the three assemblies which act upon the cans conveyed by the conveyor, and the novel means for positioning the assemblies relative to the cans and to one another to accommodate various sizes of cans and to define three operating stations where the cans are acted upon simultaneously. However, in accordance with one of the important aspects of the invention, novel control means are provided for integrating and interlocking the various functions so that they take place in a predetermined sequence and in a positively controlled fashion thereby producing incremental advancement of the cans while precluding any possibility that paint will be spilled or that the cans will be improperly filled or improperly sealed. Experience has shown that machines of the present design are sufliciently reliable so that the filled and sealed cans coming from the discharge end of the machine are ready for packing and shipment with but casual inspection.

Thus it is one of the features of the present machine that the presence of an empty can below the fill head is confirmed by special detecting means mounted upon the centering member as the centering member is advanced to can engagement, with the presence of the can serving to initiate operation of a measuring means for measuring out a precise amount of the paint or other liquid required to fill the can. Turning to FIGS. 10 and ll a detector switch 220 is used mounted on the centering member 201 and reciprocated with it. The switch 220 is provided with a plunger 221 which is mounted in suitable guides 222. As the centering member 201 is moved toward the can, the can is struck by the plunger 221 which reacts upon the switch 22h to close an electrical circuit. In carrying out the invention closure of the electrical circuit triggers operation of a timer 2.3i) having a timing motor 231, a clutch solenoid 232, a load contact 233 and a time-out contact 234. The timing motor is moreover provided with a sealing in contact 235 to insure that, once the timer is energized, the contact 233 will stay closed for the entire time-d interval. The second contact 234 referred to as the time-out contact is closed momentarily at the end of the timed interval. The time is adjusted by means of a control member 236. To facilitate understanding of the operation of the timer it will be helpful to identify terminals as follows: Terminals L-1 and L-2 are power input terminals connected to correspondingly numbered supply lines which may be the regular A.-C. line. Terminal 237 is an input terminal which, as shown, is connected to the clutch in order to initiate the timed cycle. Terminal 23S is the main output terminal which supplies power to the associated components, primarily the solenoid valves, during the timed interval, while the second output terminal 239 supplies a short output pulse at the end of the timed interval. As is conventional in timing devices, the device includes provisioin for resetting itself to zero automatically at the end of the timed interval, i.e., when the solenoid 232 is deenergized by opening of the switch 220. For further details of the construction of the timer per se, reference is made t Bulletin 110C published by the Eagle Signal Corporation of Moline, Illinois.

In accordance with one of the aspects of the present invention, means are provided for sensing the arrival of a can at a reference position in order to stop the conveyor when cans are in the three stations and for thereupon actuating the can detector at the filling station to initiate the filling operation. In carrying out the invention we prefer to locate such sensing switch at the capping station, in other words, at the downstream one of the three stations. Sensing the arrival of a can at the last station tends to insure that cans are also present at the two earlier stations since the cans are crowded from behind by reason of the crowding table 57 previously described. Turning to the fragmentary view, FIG. 3, it will be noted that a switch 25d is provided at the station C. This switch may be in the form of a single pole double throw microswitch having a short snap time and o-perated by a pivoted lever 251 having a cam follower 252. For ease in understanding the operation, the upper terminal of the switch 25@ has been designated as the can terminal and the lower terminal as the no can terminal.

Prior to discussing the manner in which the control circuit of FIG. ll carries out the desired sequencing and interlocking functions, it will be desirable to identify the vario-us switches used in the circuit. Thus, connected in series with the supply line L-1 is a switch 260 which serves to turn the entire circuit on or 011. Connected in series with the conveyor motor St) is a switch 261 which is normally closed to cause the conveyor motor to operate continuously, it being kept in mind that the output is controlled by clutch 55 and brake 56. For supplying direct voltage to the clutch and brake a bridge rectier 262 is provided which is connected directly across the supply lines. Two additional switches are incorporated which are normally closed to provide automatic cycling. These include a first switch 263 which is interposed between the switch 22S and the timer 230 and a single-pole doublethrow switch 264 which will be assumed, in the discussion of the operation, to remain in the auto position shown.

For the purpose of controlling energization of the clutch 5S and brake 56 and also to actuate the can detector at the filling station, a conveyor relay iR is employed. This relay is provided with clutch contacts 1K1, brake contacts 1R12 and detector interlock contacts 1R35, the contacts 1R52 and 1133 being normally closed.

For the purpose of responding to the short pulse from the terminal 239 of the timer, which marks the end of the timed interval, and for maintaining the conveyor relay llt).

closed, and the conveyor inmotion, until a new can is advanced into the capping position, a conveyor holding relay 2R is providing having sealing in contacts 2K1 and normally open contacts 2R2. To insure that the conveyor is disabled at all times that the fill valve 33 is open, a lill valve conveyor interlock relay 3R is provided which is connected in parallel with the till valve solenoid and which has normally closed contacs which are connected in series wtih the sensing switch 25d at the capping station contacts SR1.

It will be apparent from the control diagram that the solenoid valves associated with all of the functions except the can detector at the filling station are connected in parallel with one another, being fed from a timer output or control bus 276` which is connected to the main output terminal 233 of the timer.

With the above in mind, the various features and advantages of the control circuit will become apparent upon considering a typical operating sequence.

Assuming that the automatic cycling is to be initiated with no can in the machine (the machine may also be started illed with cans if desired), th-e switches 260 and 261 are closed to energize the circuit. With no can in the capping station, the can sensing switch 250 is in the no can position. Current is thus supplied to the conveyor relay 1R via the switch 250 and through the closed `interlocking contacts 3R1. Energization of the relay 1R opens the contacts 1K2 deenergizing the brake and closes the contacts 1R1 energizing lthe clutch. This starts th-e conveyor moving with cans being crowded onto the conveyor from the supply or crowding table 57. During this time the solenoid valve 206 is deenergized serving to retract the centering and detecting member 201 at the filling station and permitting cans freely to pass the lling station. Movement continues until a can reaches the capping station thus throwing the can sensing switch 250 into its upper or can position. This deenergizes the conveyor relay 1R, opening the clutch contacts 1R1 and closing the brake contacts 1R2, thereby discontinuing further advancement of the conveyor. Deenergization of the relay 1R moreover closes the contacts 1K3 which energize the solenoid valve 206 thereby advancing the centering member 261 and its detector switch 220 into can engagement. The can in the filling s-tation is physically centered as described, and actuation of the plunger 221 thereon closes the switch 220, applying voltage to the timer input terminal 237 and starting the timed interval.

When the timer is thus turned on, the contacts 233 therein energize the control bus 270 which produces operation at all three of the operating stations. In the first place the solenoid valve 37 associated with the fill valve 33 is energized opening the lill valve so that paint begins to fl-ow into the can centered directly below. The solenoid valve 39 associated with the strainer causes the plunger within the strainer to be idly retracted as described in copending application Ser. 863,294. Energization of the solenoid valve 73 associated with the lid drop device retracts the lid release member in-to the position shown in FIG. 5 although no lid is dropped. 4 Toy make up for the lack during this first cycle a lid may be manually placed in the detent-retained position at thel embosser. Energization of the emboss-er solenoid valve 10S causes the actuator 107 to release the latchltlt) so that the embosser is free to rotate. The rst revolution of the embosser embosses the lid in embossing position but additional rotations of the embossing dies take place idly during the interval that the control bus 270 is energized. Finally the solenoid valve 143 associated with the capper 14) is energized, thus thrusting the cap plunger 141 down into pressing engagement with the can in the capping station. This movement is, however, an idle one since the first can is not provided with a lid.

During the on interval of the timer the fill valve continues to discharge paint into the receiving can, with the timed interval being suiciently accurate that under 11 the given gravity head conditions the can is filled to within a short distance of the top.

At the end of the timed interval as the timer times out two things happen within the timer. In the first place the main timing contacts 233 are opened. This deenergizes the control bus 270. Next the time out contacts 234 close momentarily thus applying a short pulse of voltage to the timer output terminal 239. Turning attention first to the effects of deenergizing the control bus 270, the following may be noted. The fill valve is closed. Next the plunger within the strainer is thrust downwardly, backflushing the strainer. (The resulting pulse of pressure does not affect discharge from the fill valve since the fill valve is closed.) Deenergizing the lid drop solenoid 73 causes the actuators 71, 72 to move forwardly into the position shown in FIG. 6 thereby dropping a lid onto the guide rails where it is held adjacent the embossing dies, by the detent 165. Deenergization of the embossing solenoid valve 166 causes the actuator 107 to be retracted thereby latching` the release member 94 of` the clutch in fixed position and positioning the embossingV dies spaced apart and in readiness for the successive embossing operation. It may be noted that the operation of the latch 190 is prompt so that the embossing dies are stationary and separated by the time that the dropped lid reaches them. Finally, deenergization of the capping solenoid valve 143 causes the plunger 141 to be retracted. The interlock relay 3R is dropped out closing the interlock contacts SR1 so that a current path is set up for the relay 1R which, as will be seen, startsthe conveyor.

Turning next to the second effect in the timer 230, the production of a momentary output voltage at the output terminal 239 energizes the conveyor holding relay 2R. This relay seals itself in via the sealing contacts 2R1, it being understood that, at that time, the sensing switch 250 is in its upper or can position, there being a can at the capping station. Closure of terminals 2R2 on the holding relay 2R completes the circuit to the conveyor relay 1R. Energization of the latter actuates the clutch 55 via contacts 1R1 and deactivates the brake 56 by opening contacts 1R2. Moreover, energization of the conveyor -relay 1R opens the contacts 1R3 thereby deenergizing the solenoid valve 206 to produce retraction of the centering member 201 out of the way of the moving cans.

After the conveyor starts and the can in the capping station begins to move out of the station, the switch 250 quickly snaps from its upper position to its lower or no can position. This establishes an alternate source of voltage for the conveyor relay 1R. The action takes place quickly and, as the relay 2R is a time delay relay with delay on dropout, a newV source of current is provided to relay 1R before relay 2R drops out, so that the relay 1R remains energized. The movement of the switch 250 to the "no can position, however, opens the sealing circuit of the conveyor holding relay which-now drops out being no longer required. With the conveyor relay 1R energized, the conveyor continues to advance until a new can comes into the capping position, whereupon the sensing switch 250 snaps to its can position, thereby deenergizing the conveyor relay 1R. When this relay is deenergized the conveyor stops and the centering member 291 is projected into engagement with the can at the filling station. When the switch 220 confirms that a can is presentin the filling station, current is applied to the input terminal 237 of the timer which starts a new timing cycle. The fill valve again operates, the embosser rotates dropping an embossed lid, and the capper presses a lid in place. As the cycle is repeated over and over, cans are fed from the end of the machine onto a suitable conveyor which conveys them to the packing and shipping department. It is found that the machine operates automatically with near perfect reliability. Little or no attention is required on the part of the operator except to see that the input end is kept supplied with empty cans and to see that the supply of lids is adequate.

Itis found when using the present ll valve arrangement, fed from an overhead vat, that only a slight drop in pressure occurs even though the vat level may fall from maximum to minimum. The reason for this is that the vat itself is located substantially above the machine, with a gravity head existing in the supply line 25. Any drop in pressure is noted by the operator as a slight drop in the level of paint in the can, and this drop may be compensated for simply by making a slight increase in the setting of the timer. The last few cans may be filled manually by operating the switches 263, 264. To accomplish this the switch 254 is thrown to its manual position to turn the fill valve on and the switch 263 is momentarily closed to advance another can into the filling station.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present filling machine amply fulfills the objects stated above. The cans are accurately filled, properly sealed and positively identified by an embossment made at the moment of filling. Accurate identification makes possible the high degree of control of product which is essential in the paint industry, with each can being subject to later comparison, if necessary, with a portion of the same batch retained at the factory. All this is accomplished automatically at high speed and without danger of spillage over a wide range of can size.

While the device is especially suited for the filling of press-top paint cans, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto, or to particular liquids or particular container materials and consequently the term can in the claims is used in a generic sense.

We claim as our invention:

1. In a can filling machine the combination comprising a filling station having a filling valve and source of liquid, a lid dropping station having an embosser for individual dropping of embossed lids, a capping station having means for pressing the lids in place, a power driven conveyor for conveying cans through said stations in a closely spaced series, said stations being spaced apart an integral number of can diameters, means including a switch adjacent the conveyor for sensing the arrival of a can, control means coupled to the sensing switch for normally powering the conveyor but having provision upon arrival of a can at the switch for terminating operation of the conveyor and for (l) producing discharge of a predetermined quantity of liquid from said valve, (2) operating said embosser and (3) operating said pressing means at the respective stations, said control means including an auxiliary circuit actuated upon completion of discharge of liquid from said valve for temporarily bypassing the sensing switch to start movement of the conveyor and for thereafter restoring control to the sensing switch so that the sensing switch is in readiness to respond to the arrival of the next can in the series.

2. ln a can filling machine the combination comprising a filling station having a filling valve and source of liquid, a conveyor for conveying cans through said filling station in a closely spaced series, means including a switch adjacent the conveyor downstream from said filling station for sensing the arrival of a can in the series, the filling head being so spaced with respect to the sensing switch that a can is in filling position when the sensing switch is operated, control means coupled to the sensing switch and actuated incident to the presence of a can in the filiing station for terminating operation of the conveyor and for turning on the filling valve for discharge of a predetermined quantity of liquid into the can at the filling station, said control means including an auxiliary circuit actuated at the completion of the operation of the measuring means for taking over control from the sensing switch and causing continued operation of the conveyor notwithstanding the operated condition of the sensing switch, and means for shortly thereafter restoring control to the sensing switch so that the switch is again effective to actuate the control means in response to arrival of the next can in the series to produce a repetitive cycle.

3. In a can filling machine the combination comprising a filling station having a filling valve and source of liquid, a conveyor for conveying cans through said filling station in a closely spaced series, means including a switch adjacent the conveyor downstream from said filling station having an initial no can condition but switched to an alternate can position upon the arrival of a can in the series, the filling head being so spaced with respect to the sensing switch that a can is in filling position when the sensing switch is switched, control means coupled to the sensing switch and actuated upon the switching thereof for terminating operation of the conveyor and for turning on the filling valve for discharge of a predetermined quantity of liquid into the can at the filling station, said control means including an auxiliary circuit actuated at the completion of the operation of the measuring means for initiating continued operation of the conveyor until after the sensing switch is restored to its initial no can condition so that the sensing switch is again capable of responding to arrival of the next can in the series.

4. In a can filling machine the combination comprising a filling station having a filling valve and source of liquid, a conveyor for conveying cans through said filling station in a closely spaced series, means including a switch adjacent the conveyor downstream from said filling station for sensing the arrival of a can in the series, the filling head being so spaced with respect to the sensing switch that a can is in filling position when the sensing switch is operated, control means coupled to the sensing switch and actuated incident to the presence of a canin the filling station for terminating operation ofthe conveyor and for turning onthe filling valve for discharge of a predetermined quantity of liquid in to the can at the lling station, said control means including an auxiliary circuit actuated at the completion of the operation of the measuring means for temporarily powering the conveyor notwithstanding the then operated condition of the sensing switch.

5. In a can filling machine the combination comprising a` filling station having a source of liquid and a filling valve, a lid dropping station having a source of unembossed lids, means for releasing lids individually from the source, a capping station having means for pressing thel lids into sealing position, means for conveying cans step by step from one of the stations to the next, embossing means havingmeans for retaining released lids in position for embossment, means` actuated when cans are in the stations for stopping the conveyor means and for actuating theembossing means along with the filling valve and pressing means lso that the lid retained in the embossing means is embossed and passed downwardly into dropped position on the can, andrneans for restarting the conveyor and `actuating the releasing means after a predetermined amount of liquid has been discharged into said can. i.

6. In a can filling machine the combination comprising afilling station having a source of liquid and a filling valve, a lid dropping station having a source of unembossed lids, means for releasing lids individually from the source, a capping station having means for pressing the lids into sealing position, means for intermittently conveying cans in closely spaced series from one of the stations to the next, rotary embossing means at the output of the releasing means and having a pair of cooperating embossing dies together with driving means for rotating the dies starting from their open position, means for temporarily retaining a released lid between the dies with the same in their open position, means actuated when cans are in the stations for stopping the conveyor means and for actuating the embossing means along with the filling valve and pressing means so that the lid retained in the embossing means is embossed and dropped into position on the awaiting can, and means for restarting the conveyor after a predetermined amount of liquid has been discharged into said can.

'77. In a can;filling machine the combination comprising a filling station having a source of liquid and a filling valve, and dropping station having a source of lids and having a lid guide, means for releasing lids indi-vidually from the source onto said lid guide, a capping station having means for pressing the lids into sealing position, means for conveying cans step by step from one of the stations to the next, embossing means straddling said lid guide and having a pair of rotary dies together with means for rotating the dies starting from open position, a detent associated with said lid guide for retaining a released lid in position between the open dies and ready for embossment by the latter, means actuated when cans are in the stations for stopping the conveyor means and for actuating the embossing means along with the filling valve and pressing means so that the lid retained in the embossing means is passed downwardly on said guide into dropped position on the can, and means for restarting the conveyor and actuating the releasing means after a predetermined amount of liquid has been discharged into said can.

8. In a can lling machine the combination comprising a filling station having a filling head and a source of liquid together with means for measuring out a predetermined quantity of liquid, a lid dropping station having a source of lids and lid guiding means for guiding lids downwardly into dropped position, an embossing device located in the path of the lids on the lid gui-de having means for retaining a lid until the same is embossed, driving means -for operating the embossing means, means for conveying cans intermittently from said filling station to said lid dropping station, said filling station and said lid dropping station being so spaced that cans arrive simultaneously in both stations, and means responsive to the arrival of the cans for simultaneously initiating said measuring means and for cycling said embossing means so that an embossed lid is dropped into position upon the awaiting can, and means for subsequently pressing the dropped lid into seated position.

9. In a can filling machine the combination comprising a filling station having means for depositing a predetermined amount of liquid in a can, a lid dropping station, a conveyor for conveying cans intermittently from said filling station to said lid dropping station, said lid dropping station having means for storing a quantity of lids in a stack and having a pair of reciprocated release members for releasing the lids from the bottom of the stack one by one, a pair of inclined guide members for guiding a released lid downwardly from the point of release, and meansy for simultaneously adjusting the spacing of said release members and said guide members for accommodating lids of different diameter.

10. In a can filling machine the combination comprising a filling station having means for depositing a predetermined amount of liquid in a can, a lid dropping station, a conveyor for conveying cans intermittently from said filling station to said lid dropping station, said lid dropping station having means for storing a quantity of lids in a stack amd having a pair of reciprocated release members for releasing the lids from the bottom of the stack one by one, a pair of inclined guide members for guiding the release lids downwardly from the point of release, embossing dies straddling the guide members, and means for simultaneously adjusting the spacing of said release members and said guide members relative to the embossing dies so that the lids are released and embossed substantially in the middle thereof regardless of lid diameter.

l1. ln a can filling machine the combination comprising a filling station having a filling valve and source of liquid, a capping station having means for applving caps to the filled cans, means including a conveyor for conveying cans successively into the filling station and capping station. can detecting means at the filling station for determining whether a can is in centered position below the filling valve, means for sensing arrival of a can atthe accesso capping station for terminating the action of the conveyor and for initiating action of the can detecting means, timing means initiated by the can detecting means for causing fiow of liquid into the can over a predetermined time interval and for causing operation of the capping means, and means actuated at the end of the timed interval for restarting the conveyor.

12. in a can filling machine the combination comprising a filling station having a filling valve and source of liquid, a capping station having means for capping the cans subsequent to the filling thereof, means including a conveyor for conveying cans successively into said filling station and said capping station, detecting means for stopping the conveyor when a can is in centered position below the filling station, means including a timer coupled to said detecting means and controllably connected to the filling valve for producing a timed discharge of liquid into the can at the filling station and for operating the capping means, yand means coupled to the timer and actuated at the completion of the timed interval for restarting the conveyor in order to bring a successive can into position in the filling station.

13. In a can' filling machine the combination comprising a filling station having a filling valve and source of liquid, a capping station having means for applying caps to the filled cans, a conveyor for conveying cans through said filling station and capping station in a closely spaced series, means downstream from said filling station for sensing the arrival of a can in the series, said sensing means` being so spaced with respect to the filling means that when said sensing means is actuated a subsequent can in the series is in the filling station, a can detector at said filling station for detecting the presence of a pre-4 cisely centered can, means operated by said sensing means for terminating operation of the conveyor and for initiating operation of the can detecting means at the filling station, means triggered by the detecting means for measuring out a predetermined quantity of liquid into the can at the filling station and for actuating the capping means at the capping station, and means actuated at the completion of the oper-taion of the measuring means for restarting the conveyor.

14. In a can filling machine the combination comprising a filling station having a filling valve connected to a source of liquid, a power driven conveyor for conveying a series of cans into and away from 'the filling station, means actuated incident to arrival of a can at the filling station for stopping the conveyor, means for sensing the can at the filling station and for precisely centering it under the filling valve, means actuated incident to the operation of the can sensing means for measuring out a predetermined amount of liquid from the filling valve to said can, and means actuated upon completion of' the measurement for restarting the conveyor in order to bring a successive can into filling position.

15. In a can filling machine the combination comprising a filling station having a filling valve and source of liquid, a power driven conveyor for conveying cans seriatim into and out of the filling station, means adjacent said conveyor downstream from the filling station for stopping the conveyor with a can in the filling station, can centering means at the filling station, said can centering means having provision for movement between a retracted position clear of the cans and an extended position in which the can is centeringly engaged, means operated incident to ythe stoppage of the conveyor for bringing the centering means into the centering position and for simultaneously producing discharge of liquid from the filling valve into the can, and means incident to the depositing of a rated amount of liquid in the can for retracting the centering means and for reactivating the conveyor means for movement of a successive can into the filling station.

16. In a can filling machine the combination comprising a filling station having a filling valve and source of liquid, a power driven conveyer for conveying cans seriatim into and out of the filling station, means downstream from the filling station for stopping the conveyor with a can in the filling station', can centering means at the filling station, said can centering means including a member having spaced points of can engagement and having provision for lateral movement between a retracted position clear of the cans and an extended position in which the can is centeringly engaged by the points, means operated incident to the stoppage of the conveyor for bringing the centering member into can engaging position and for simultaneously producing discharge of liquid from the filling valve into the can, and means incident to the depositing of a rated amount of liquid in the can for retracting the centering member and for reactivating the conveyor means for movement of a successive can into the filling station.

17. In a can filling machine the combination comprising a filling station having a filling valve and source of liquid, a power driven conveyor for conveying cans seriatim into and out of the filling station, means for stopping the conveyor with a can in the filling station, can centering means at the'filling station, said can centering means including a member having spaced points of can engagement and having provision for lateral movement between a retracted position clear of 'the cans and an extended position in which the can is centeringly engaged by the points, means operated incident to the stoppage of the conveyor for bringing the centering member into can engaging position, a can detector on said centering member nor verifying presence of a can engaged by the centering member for initiating discharge of liquid from the filling valve into the can, and means incident to the depositing of a rated amount of liquid in the can for retracting the centeringmember and for reactivating the conveyor means for movemen-t of a successive can into the lling station.

18. In a can filling machine the combination compris ing a filling station having a filling valve and source of liquid, a power driven conveyor for moving cans seriatim into and out of said filling station, means operated incident to the arrival of a can at the filling station for terminat ing the operation of the conveyor, a can centering device at the filling station, said can centering device including an arcuate member movable laterally with respect to the Iconveyor and for engaging the can at spaced points about the periphery thereof thereby to crowd the can either forwardly or backwardly a small amount and into alinement with the filling valve, a switch mounted on said arcuate member arranged for operation when the centering means centeringly engages a can thereby to verify the presence of a can in the filling station, means for measuring out a predetermined amount of liquid from the filling valve into the can, said measuring means being coupled to said switch so that the operation of the measuring means is initiated thereby, and means operated incident to completion of the measurement for retracting the centering means and for reactivating the conveyor means so that the adjacent can is brought into the filling station.

19. In a can filling machine the combination comprising a power driven conveyor for conveying a series of cans along a path of movement, guide rails on the respective sides of the cans, a filling station having a filling valve and source of liquid, a lid dropping station having means for dropping a lid upon an awaiting can, and a capping station having means for pressing the lid into seated position, said stations being spaced along the length of the conveyor and laterally centered with respect to the centerline thereof, means for adjusting the longitudinal spacing of the stations so that a can is simultaneously centered in each of them when transported in closely spaced series by said conveyor, and means for adjusting the guide rails with respect to the center line of the conveyor so apt/asso that the cans are always laterally centered with respect to said stations Aregardless ofthe diame-ter of the cans.

2G. In a can lling machine the combination comprising a power driven conveyor for conveying a series of cans along ya path of movement, guide rails on the respective sides of the cans, a lling station having a lling valve and source of liquid, a lid dropping station having means for dropping a lid upon an awaiting can, and a capping station having means for pressing the lid into seated position, said stations being spaced along the length of the conveyor and centered with respect to it, means for adjusting the spacing of the stations so that a can is simultaneously centered in each of them when transported in closely spaced series by said conveyor, means for adjusting ythe guide rails with respect to the center line of the conveyor so that the cans are always 18 laterally centered with 4respect to said stations regardless of the diameter of the cans, and an elevated support, said lling valve as well as the dropping means and pressing means `being mounted on said support and said support having means for adjusting the height thereof `above the conveyor to Iaccommodate cans of differing height.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,615,040 Risser Ian. 18, 1927 1,913,743 Borchert June 13, 1933 1,920,869 Kronquest Aug. 1, 1933 2,180,954 Harrison Nov. 21, 1939 2,684,627 Duhan July 27, 1954 2,782,577 Beall Feb. 26, 1957 

1. IN A CAN FILLING MACHINE THE COMBINATION COMPRISING A FILLING STATION HAVING A FILLING VALVE AND SOURCE OF LIQUID, A LID DROPPING STATION HAVING AN EMBOSSER FOR INDIVIDUAL DROPPING OF EMBOSSED LIDS, A CAPPING STATION HAVING MEANS FOR PRESSING THE LIDS IN PLACE, A POWER DRIVEN CONVEYOR FOR CONVEYING CANS THROUGH SAID STATIONS IN A CLOSELY SPACED SERIES, SAID STATIONS BEING SPACED APART AN INTEGRAL NUMBER OF CAN DIAMETERS, MEANS INCLUDING A SWITCH ADJACENT THE CONVEYOR FOR SENSING THE ARRIVAL OF A CAN, CONTROL MEANS COUPLED TO THE SENSING SWITCH FOR NORMALLY POWERING THE CONVEYOR BUT HAVING PROVISION UPON ARRIVAL OF A CAN AT THE SWITCH FOR TERMINATING OPERATION OF THE CONVEYOR AND FOR (1) PRODUCING DISCHARGE OF A PREDETERMINED QUANTITY OF LIQUID FROM SAID VALVE, (2) OPERATING SAID EMBOSSER AND (3) OPERATING SAID PRESSING MEANS AT THE RESPECTIVE STATIONS, SAID CONTROL MEANS INCLUDING AN AUXILIARY CIRCUIT ACTUATED UPON COMPLETION OF DISCHARGE OF LIQUID FROM SAID VALVE FOR TEMPORARILY BYPASSING THE SENSING SWITCH TO START MOVEMENT OF THE CONVEYOR AND FOR THEREAFTER RESTORING CONTROL TO THE SENSING SWITCH SO THAT THE SENSING SWITCH IS IN READINESS TO RESPOND TO THE ARRIVAL OF THE NEXT CAN IN THE SERIES. 